Simple question really, but having difficulty getting a straight answer.
Does the new style bolt on the mini-14 have the same specs as the old bolts used on earlier models?
Explanation...Old bolts use only the bolt stop to eject the casing out to the side after discharge. The newer bolts use this method as well as an ejector post to eject the casing out and up after discharge. By my reasoning, they should be one and the same bolt, because as far as I know, they didn't redesign the receiver for the new bolt to fit.
Here is the fix I am in. After somewhere over 10,000 rounds fired through my Mini-14 RR, I discovered a flaw. The bolt stop appears to rub on the bolt. Noticed the marks long ago, but since many bolts have distinguishing marks from operating, I paid it little attention. Now however, this particular rub mark has turned into a hole worn into the bolt, and now exposes the firing pin. See pictures below...
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
Tried contacting Ruger about it, but their curt response annoyed me. "Send us the rifle, we'll look at it" as if I'm not competent enough to change the bolt out myself, or get my questions answered. Maybe they have a better reason than that, but they don't seem to think they need to share it with me, and they won't sell me a bolt and new firing pin so I can do it myself.
Anyway, long story short, as I researched the bolt, I found out about the two types the Ranch Rifle uses. I found one at Numrich, but they can't detail to me which part they have, so I chance spending the money on a bolt that doesn't fit or work properly, unless they are the same bolt, with the addition of the ejector post on the newer ones. I'm thinking the latter is actually the case, but looking for someone who can confirm this for me before I go spending the money.
And while we're on the subject, what ever was Ruger thinking using a cast bolt, instead of a forged one? Does anybody make an after market bolt that is a bit harder (forged) then the factory one so I don't have to do this again in 10 more years? I know there are a lot of mini after market parts out there, so thought I might ask. Or, will Ruger send a bolt to a gunsmith if they ask for one? I got a friend if they'd do that.
And one more question, which I'll look into myself, but maybe someone else has the answer. Can the bolt stop be milled down in this contact area, just enough to stop the rubbing, but not enough to cause malfunctions?
Anyway, trying to get some answers and fix this little problem. The rifle is safe enough for the time being, but I'm sure it will worsen and probably break the firing pin eventually. I'd rather not push it to that point though.
Any help would be great.
Thanks
Rick
Does the new style bolt on the mini-14 have the same specs as the old bolts used on earlier models?
Explanation...Old bolts use only the bolt stop to eject the casing out to the side after discharge. The newer bolts use this method as well as an ejector post to eject the casing out and up after discharge. By my reasoning, they should be one and the same bolt, because as far as I know, they didn't redesign the receiver for the new bolt to fit.
Here is the fix I am in. After somewhere over 10,000 rounds fired through my Mini-14 RR, I discovered a flaw. The bolt stop appears to rub on the bolt. Noticed the marks long ago, but since many bolts have distinguishing marks from operating, I paid it little attention. Now however, this particular rub mark has turned into a hole worn into the bolt, and now exposes the firing pin. See pictures below...
Tried contacting Ruger about it, but their curt response annoyed me. "Send us the rifle, we'll look at it" as if I'm not competent enough to change the bolt out myself, or get my questions answered. Maybe they have a better reason than that, but they don't seem to think they need to share it with me, and they won't sell me a bolt and new firing pin so I can do it myself.
Anyway, long story short, as I researched the bolt, I found out about the two types the Ranch Rifle uses. I found one at Numrich, but they can't detail to me which part they have, so I chance spending the money on a bolt that doesn't fit or work properly, unless they are the same bolt, with the addition of the ejector post on the newer ones. I'm thinking the latter is actually the case, but looking for someone who can confirm this for me before I go spending the money.
And while we're on the subject, what ever was Ruger thinking using a cast bolt, instead of a forged one? Does anybody make an after market bolt that is a bit harder (forged) then the factory one so I don't have to do this again in 10 more years? I know there are a lot of mini after market parts out there, so thought I might ask. Or, will Ruger send a bolt to a gunsmith if they ask for one? I got a friend if they'd do that.
And one more question, which I'll look into myself, but maybe someone else has the answer. Can the bolt stop be milled down in this contact area, just enough to stop the rubbing, but not enough to cause malfunctions?
Anyway, trying to get some answers and fix this little problem. The rifle is safe enough for the time being, but I'm sure it will worsen and probably break the firing pin eventually. I'd rather not push it to that point though.
Any help would be great.
Thanks
Rick
